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Abstract:

According to one embodiment, an electronic device includes a
communication module, an electrical field strength detector, a state
detector, an output module, and an output controller. The communication
module transmits and receives a radio signal. The electrical field
strength detector detects electrical field strength of the radio signal
transmitted and received by the communication module. The state detector
detects a first state where the electrical field strength detected by the
electrical field strength detector increases with the lapse of time and a
second state where the electrical field strength detected by the
electrical field strength detector decreases with the lapse of time. The
output controller controls output from the output module based on the
first state and the second state.

Claims:

1. An electronic device comprising: a communication module configured to
transmit and receive a radio signal; an electrical field strength
detector configured to detect an electrical field strength of the radio
signal received by the communication module at regular time intervals; an
output module configured to output a state of the electrical field
strength detected by the electrical field strength detector; a state
detector configured to detect a first state and a second state based on
an amount of change of the electrical field strength detected by the
electrical field strength detector, wherein, in the first state, the
electrical field strength is greater than or equal to a lower limit
threshold and less than or equal to an upper limit threshold, and the
electrical field strength increases with lapse of time, and, in the
second state, the electrical field strength is greater than or equal to
the lower limit threshold and less than or equal to the upper limit
threshold, and the electrical field strength decreases with lapse of
time; and an output controller configured to control the output module to
output in a first mode corresponding to the first state when the first
state is detected by the state detector, to output in a second mode
corresponding to the second state when the second state is detected by
the state detector.

2. The electric device of claim 1, wherein the state detector is
configured to detect a third state where the electrical field strength
detected by the electrical field strength detector is higher than the
upper limit threshold, and, when the third state is detected, the output
controller is configured to control the output module to output in a
third mode corresponding to the third state detected by the state
detector.

3. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the output module is a light
emitting module configured to emit light comprising blinking light, and,
in the first mode, intervals of the blinking light by the light emitting
module are configured to decrease in accordance with the amount of change
of the electrical field strength, and in the second mode, the intervals
of the blinking light by the light emitting module are configured to
increase in accordance with the amount of change of the electrical field
strength.

4. The electronic device of claim 3, wherein, in the third mode, a color
of the blinking light thereof is different from the colors of the
blinking light in the first mode and the second mode.

5. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the output module is a
vibration module configured to generate vibration, and, in the first
mode, intervals of the vibration by the vibration module are configured
to decrease in accordance with the amount of change of the electrical
field strength, and in the second mode, the intervals of the vibration
are configured to increase in accordance with the amount of change of the
electrical field strength.

6. The electronic device of claim 5, wherein, in the third mode, a
vibration interval thereof is shorter than the vibration intervals of the
first mode and the second mode.

7. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the output module is a
display device, and, in the first mode, information indicating that
communication state is improving is displayed at the display device, and
in the second mode, information indicating that communication state is
degrading is displayed at the display device.

8. The electronic device of claim 2, wherein the state detector is
configured to detect a fourth state where the electrical field strength
detected by the electrical field strength detector is lower than the
lower limit threshold, and, when the fourth state is detected, the output
controller is configured to control the output module to output in a
fourth mode corresponding to the fourth state detected by the state
detector.

9. A communication state output method comprising: detecting an
electrical field strength of a radio signal received by a communication
module at regular time intervals; detecting a first state and a second
state based on an amount of change of the electrical field strength
detected by the electrical field strength detector, and to detect a third
state, wherein in the first state, the electrical field strength is
greater than or equal to a lower limit threshold and less than or equal
to an upper limit threshold, and the electrical field strength increases
with lapse of time, and, in the second state, the electrical field
strength is greater than or equal to the lower limit threshold and less
than or equal to the upper limit threshold, and the electrical field
strength decreases with lapse of time; and performing in a first mode
corresponding to the first state when the first state is detected, and
performing output in a second mode corresponding to the second state when
the second state is detected.

Description:

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 12,555,726, filed Sep. 8, 2009, which is based upon and claims the
benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2008-305290,
filed Nov. 28, 2008, the entire contents of each of which are
incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

[0002] 1. Field

[0003] One embodiment of the invention relates to an electronic device
that performs wireless communication, and a communication state output
method thereof.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] In recent years, short-range wireless communication systems have
been in widespread use that enable communication in a short distance of
about a few centimeters. The short-range wireless communication is often
applied to, for example, electronic money and a contactless IC card that
is passed over a reader/writer at a ticket gate of a station. With a
short-range wireless communication technology, a wireless communication
module is downsized, and thereby wireless communication is available with
low power consumption using a weak radio wave. In the case of short-range
wireless communication with a contactless IC card, a small amount of data
are communicated in a short period of time. Accordingly, even if the
contactless IC card is not precisely placed over an electronic device
that communicates therewith, stable communication can easily be achieved.

[0006] Besides, a new short-range wireless communication standard called
"Transfer Jet" has been studied, in which communication is performed at
high speed to increase the amount of data transmitted per unit of time.
Because of enabling high-speed data transfer, short-range wireless
communication based on this standard is expected to be used in fields
that require a large amount of data transfer. An electronic device
includes a coupler that transmits/receives a radio signal. When the
coupler is placed over a coupler of a device to communicate with,
short-range wireless communication is performed between them. In the
short-range wireless communication, for example, the electronic devices
can communicate with each other when the couplers are brought close
together within a distance of 30 mm, and the transfer rate can be
increased when they are placed at positions where the electrical field
strength of a radio signal (radio wave) is high.

[0007] That is, to transfer a large amount of data in a short period of
time, a user needs to place the couplers of electronic devices that
perform short-range wireless communication at appropriate positions,
where the electrical field strength is high, and also maintain the state.

[0008] For example, Japanese Patent Application Publication (KOKAI) No.
2004-320762 discloses a conventional wireless communication device that
detects the state of wireless communication based on the electrical field
strength of a received radio wave, and a message of receiver sensitivity
information is displayed based on the communication state. The
conventional wireless communication device detects the electrical field
strength of a received radio wave, an error rate, or the like, and is
thus capable of indicating that video and audio data are interrupted, a
communication channel is being changed to another, the device is
connected to another device, and the device is located outside the
communication area.

[0009] As described above, to achieve stable high-speed data transfer in
short-range wireless communication, it is preferable to appropriately
position couplers provided to electronic devices that perform
communication, respectively. However, when an electronic device that
performs short-range wireless communication with another device is, for
example, a digital camera in a unique shape or a digital video camera
having a relatively large housing, it is difficult to position its
coupler with respect to that of the other device by visual check.

[0010] The above conventional wireless communication device detects the
electrical field strength of a received radio wave, and is only capable
of checking whether communication is interrupted.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] A general architecture that implements the various features of the
invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. The
drawings and the associated descriptions are provided to illustrate
embodiments of the invention and not to limit the scope of the invention.

[0012]FIG. 1 is an exemplary perspective view of a personal computer (PC)
according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0013]FIG. 2 is an exemplary block diagram of the PC in the embodiment;

[0014]FIG. 3 is an exemplary schematic diagram for explaining a state
notification process in the embodiment;

[0015]FIG. 4 is an exemplary flowchart of the state notification process
in the embodiment; and

[0016]FIG. 5 is another exemplary flowchart of the state notification
process in the embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0017] Various embodiments according to the invention will be described
hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings. In general,
according to one embodiment of the invention, an electronic device
comprises a communication module, an electrical field strength detector,
a state detector, an output module, and an output controller. The
communication module is configured to transmit and receive a radio
signal. The electrical field strength detector is configured to detect
electrical field strength of the radio signal transmitted and received by
the communication module. The state detector is configured to detect a
first state where the electrical field strength detected by the
electrical field strength detector increases with the lapse of time and a
second state where the electrical field strength detected by the
electrical field strength detector decreases with the lapse of time. The
output controller is configured to control output from the output module
based on the first state and the second state.

[0018] According to another embodiment of the invention, there is provided
a communication state output method applied to an electronic device
provided with an output module. The communication state output method
comprising: a communication module transmitting and receiving a radio
signal; an electrical field strength detector detecting electrical field
strength of the radio signal transmitted and received by the
communication module; a state detector detecting a first state where the
electrical field strength detected by the electrical field strength
detector increases with the lapse of time and a second state where the
electrical field strength detected by the electrical field strength
detector decreases with the lapse of time; and an output controller
controlling output from the output module based on the first state and
the second state.

[0019] An electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention is
described below by way of example as a notebook personal computer (PC) or
a digital camera. In the following, a description will be given of the
case where short-range wireless communication is performed between a PC
and a digital camera.

[0020] Note that the electronic device of the embodiment need not
necessarily be a PC or a digital camera. The electronic device of the
embodiment may be any device provided with a processor that executes a
program such as, for example, a mobile telephone, a personal digital
assistant (PDA), a portable audio/video player. a digital video camera,
and a portable car navigation system.

[0021]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a PC 10 according to the
embodiment. The PC 10 comprises a PC main body 11 and a display module
12. The display module 12 comprises a display device including a liquid
crystal display (LCD) 17.

[0022] With respect to the PC main body 11, the display module 12 is
rotatable between an open position and a closed position. In the open
position, the display module exposes the upper surface of the PC main
body 11. On the other hand, in the closed position, the display module
covers over the upper surface of the PC main body 11. FIG. 1 illustrates
the PC 10 with the display module in the open position. The PC main body
11 has a flat box-like housing, on which are arranged a keyboard 13, a
power button 14, an input operation panel 15, a touchpad 16, and a
speaker 18. The power button 14 is used to turn on/off the PC 10.

[0023] The input operation panel 15 comprises a plurality of buttons to
perform a plurality of functions, respectively, and is an input device
that receives input of an event corresponding to one of the buttons
pressed.

[0024] In a portion called "palm rest" on the upper surface of the PC main
body 11, a coupler 21 is arranged to transmit/receive a radio signal
through short-range wireless communication. The PC 10 has a short-range
wireless communication function to perform wireless communication with
another electronic device while in close proximity thereto. The PC 10
communicates data with the other electronic device through the coupler
21.

[0025] Near the coupler 21 is provided an indicator 22 formed of a light
emitting device such as a light emitting diode (LED). The indicator 22 is
used to notify the user of changes in the electrical field strength of a
radio signal (radio wave) received from another electronic device to
communicate with by short-range wireless communication.

[0026] Meanwhile, an digital camera 25 illustrated in FIG. 1 also has a
short-range wireless communication function to perform wireless
communication with the PC 10 while in close proximity thereto. The
digital camera 25 comprises a coupler 26 at, for example, the bottom of
its housing to transmit/receive a radio signal through short-range
wireless communication. The digital camera 25 further comprises an
indicator 27 formed of a light emitting device such as an LED on, for
example, the back of the housing, where a display panel is generally
provided. As with the indicator 22 of the PC 10, the indicator 27 is used
to notify the user of changes in the electrical field strength of a radio
signal (radio wave) received from another electronic device to
communicate with by short-range wireless communication.

[0027] With reference to FIG. 2, the system configuration of the PC 10
will be described. As illustrated in FIG. 2, the PC 10 comprises a CPU
111, a main memory 112, a north bridge 114, a graphics processing unit
(GPU) 116, a south bridge 117, a BIOS-ROM 120, a hard disk drive (HDD)
121, an optical disk drive (ODD) 122, a sound controller 123, a
short-range wireless communication controller 124, a control
microcomputer 126, and an embedded controller/keyboard controller
(EC/KBC) IC 140.

[0028] The CPU 111 controls the operation of the PC 10. The CPU 111 loads
from the HDD 121 an operating system (OS) 112a, a state notification
program 112b, and various other application programs 112c into the main
memory 112 to execute them.

[0029] The state notification program 112b is executed to perform a state
notification process. More specifically, when the PC 10 is required to
communicate data with another electronic device (such as the digital
camera 25) by short-range wireless communication due to the execution of
one of the application programs 112c, the state notification process is
performed to support the user to easily position the coupler 21 of the PC
10 with respect to the coupler of the other electronic device.

[0030] The short-range wireless communication controller 124 has the
electrical field strength detection function for detecting electrical
field strength. When executing the state notification program 112b, the
CPU 111 detects a first state where the electrical field strength
detected by the short-range wireless communication controller 124
increases with the lapse of time, and a second state where the electrical
field strength decreases with the lapse of time. According to the first
state or the second state, the CPU 111 controls the output of the
indicator 22 through the control microcomputer 126.

[0031] The north bridge 114 connects between a local bus of the CPU 111
and the south bridge 117. The north bridge 114 comprises a built-in
memory controller that controls access to the main memory 112. The north
bridge 114 has the function of communicating with the GPU 116 through a
PCI Express bus or the like.

[0032] The GPU 116 is a display controller that controls the LCD 17 used
as a display monitor of the PC 10. The GPU 116 generates, from display
data written to a video random access memory (VRAM) 116A by the OS 112a
or the application programs 112c, a video signal to display a screen
image on the LCD 17.

[0033] The south bridge 117 comprises a built-in integrated drive
electronics (IDE) controller or a serial ATA controller for controlling
the HDD 121 and the ODD 122.

[0034] The HDD 121 stores various programs and data. The HDD 121 stores
various types of data to be processed by the application programs 112c.

[0036] The sound controller 123 is a sound source device that performs
processing to output sound corresponding to various types of audio data
from the speaker 18 under the control of the CPU 111.

[0037] The short-range wireless communication controller 124 performs
short-range wireless communication with another electronic device through
the coupler 21 under the control of the CPU 111. In the short-range
wireless communication of the embodiment, it is assumed, for example,
that data communication is available when the coupler 21 is brought close
to that of the other electronic device within a distance of 30 mm. The
short-range wireless communication controller 124 has the electrical
field strength detection function for detecting electrical field strength
based on a radio signal received through the coupler 21. The electrical
field strength detected by the electrical field strength detection
function is read, for example, at regular intervals (per unit of time),
in the state notification process performed by the CPU 111.

[0038] The control microcomputer 126 controls the driving of the indicator
22 under the control of the CPU 111 according to the state notification
process. In response to an instruction from the CPU 111, the control
microcomputer 126 is capable of controlling the change of
lighting/blinking of the indicator 22, the blinking interval thereof, the
display color thereof, and the like.

[0039] The EC/KBC IC 140 is a one-chip microcomputer comprising the
integration of an embedded controller for power management and a keyboard
controller for controlling the keyboard (KB) 13 and the touchpad 16. The
EC/KBC IC 140 is always supplied with power from a power supply circuit
(not illustrated) even while the PC 10 is OFF. The EC/KBC IC 140
functions as a controller to control the input operation panel 15.

[0040] The EC/KBC IC 140 has the function of turning on/off the PC 10 in
response to user's operation on the power button 14. The ON/OFF control
of the PC 10 is performed in cooperation by the EC/KBC IC 140 and the
power supply circuit. The power supply circuit generates operation power
supplied to each of the constituent elements by using power fed from a
battery connected to the PC main body 11 or power fed from an AC adaptor
connected as an external power supply to the PC main body 11.

[0041] On the other hand, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the digital camera 25
comprises a camera system on chip (SoC) 30, a camera unit 31, a
short-range wireless communication controller 32, a vibration module 35,
the coupler 26, and the indicator 27.

[0042] The camera SoC 30 controls the overall operation of the digital
camera 25. The camera SoC 30 controls the camera unit 31 to capture an
image (a still image, a moving image, etc.) and store image data thereof
in a storage medium (not illustrated). The image data stored in the
storage medium can be transferred to the PC 10 through short-range
wireless communication and stored therein.

[0043] The camera SoC 30 executes a state notification application
installed thereon in advance to perform a state notification process.
More specifically, when the digital camera 25 is required to communicate
data with another electronic device (such as the PC 10) by short-range
wireless communication, the camera SoC 30 performs the state notification
process to support the user to easily position the coupler 26 of the
digital camera 25 with respect to the coupler of the other electronic
device.

[0044] The short-range wireless communication controller 32 has the
electrical field strength detection function for detecting electrical
field strength. When executing the state notification application, the
camera SoC 30 detects a first state where the electrical field strength
detected by the short-range wireless communication controller 32
increases with the lapse of time, and a second state where the electrical
field strength decreases with the lapse of time. According to the first
state or the second state, the camera SoC 30 controls the output of the
indicator 27 or the driving of the vibration module 35. By the state
notification process, the camera SoC 30 is capable of controlling the
change of the lighting/blinking of the indicator 27, the blinking
interval thereof, the display color thereof, and the like. In addition,
by the state notification process, the camera SoC 30 is also capable of
controlling the activation/deactivation of the vibration module 35, the
vibration interval thereof, and the like.

[0045] The camera unit 31 captures an image under the control of the
camera SoC 30, and stores image data thereof in the storage medium.

[0046] The short-range wireless communication controller 32 performs
short-range wireless communication with another electronic device through
the coupler 26 under the control of the camera SoC 30. In the short-range
wireless communication of the embodiment, it is assumed, for example,
that data communication is available when the coupler 26 is brought close
to that of the other electronic device within a distance of 30 mm. The
short-range wireless communication controller 32 has the electrical field
strength detection function for detecting electrical field strength based
on a radio signal received through the coupler 26. The electrical field
strength detected by the electrical field strength detection function is
read, for example, at regular intervals (per unit of time), in the state
notification process performed by the camera SoC 30.

[0047] The vibration module 35 is driven by the camera SoC 30, and the
activation/deactivation of its vibration and the vibration interval can
be changed.

[0048] With reference to FIG. 3, a schematic description will be given of
the state notification process for short-range wireless communication of
the embodiment. FIG. 3 illustrates changes in electrical field strength
when the coupler 26 of the digital camera 25 is passed as indicated by
arrow A in close proximity to the coupler 21 of the PC 10.

[0049] In the PC 10, the short-range wireless communication controller 124
detects electrical field strength based on a communication signal
received by the coupler 21. Similarly, in the digital camera 25, the
short-range wireless communication controller 32 detects electrical field
strength based on a communication signal received by the coupler 26. The
changes in electrical field strength illustrated in FIG. 3 are assumed
herein to be detected by the PC 10 (the digital camera 25 also detects
electrical field strength as with the PC 10).

[0050] When the digital camera 25 is located at a position A1 in FIG. 3,
the distance between the PC 10 and the digital camera 25 does not allow
short-range wireless communication between the coupler 21 and the coupler
26. In this case, the electrical field strength is zero.

[0051] From the position A1, as the digital camera 25 moves in the
direction indicated by arrow A, the distance between the coupler 26 of
the digital camera 25 and the coupler 21 of the PC 10 becomes shorter.
When the digital camera 25 is brought closer to the PC 10 and the coupler
26 enters the range of short-range wireless communication with the
coupler 21, the electrical field strength increases as the distance
decreases.

[0052] When the digital camera 25 is located at a position A2 in FIG. 3,
the coupler 26 of the digital camera 25 is the closest to the coupler 21
of the PC 10. Thus, the electrical field strength detected at this point
is the highest.

[0053] From the position A2, as the digital camera 25 further moves in the
direction indicated by arrow A, the distance between the coupler 26 of
the digital camera 25 and the coupler 21 of the PC 10 increases. The
electrical field strength decreases as the distance between the coupler
26 and the coupler 21 increases.

[0054] According to the embodiment, in the state notification process, the
PC 10 detects the first state where the electrical field strength
increases as the digital camera 25 moves from the position A1 to the
position A2 in FIG. 3. The PC 10 also detects the second state where the
electrical field strength decreases as the digital camera 25 moves from
the position A2 to a position A3 in FIG. 3. The output mode of the
indicator 22 varies according to the first state and the second state.
With this, the user who is operating the digital camera 25 can easily
recognize whether the coupler 26 of the digital camera 25 is brought
close to the coupler 21 of the PC 10 or it is brought away therefrom.
Thus, even if incapable of directly viewing the coupler 21 of the PC 10
and the coupler 26 of the digital camera 25, the user can position the
digital camera 25 at the position A2 in FIG. 3 where the electrical field
strength is the highest while checking the change in the output mode of
the indicator 22.

[0055] A description will now be given of data transfer between the PC 10
and the digital camera 25 through short-range wireless communication. It
is assumed herein that the PC 10 and the digital camera 25 have the
short-range wireless communication function based on the same standard.
When image data stored in the digital camera 25 is transferred to the PC
10, the image data to be transferred is selected, and an instruction is
issued to perform short-range wireless communication. When short-range
wireless communication becomes available with the PC 10 (the coupler 21)
through the coupler 26, the digital camera 25 starts processing for data
transfer.

[0056] On the other hand, when short-range wireless communication becomes
available with another electronic device (the digital camera 25), the PC
10 performs the state notification process by executing the state
notification program 112b.

[0057] With reference to FIG. 4, a description will be given of the state
notification process performed by the PC 10.

[0058] When the state notification process starts, the CPU 111 performs
initialization process (A1). The term "initialization process" as used
herein refers to, for example, to set the output mode of the indicator 22
to the initial state where the electrical field strength is the lowest.

[0059] When a predetermined time (unit time) has elapsed (A2), the CPU 111
detects the electrical field strength of a communication signal (radio
wave) detected by the coupler 21 with the electrical field strength
detection function of the short-range wireless communication controller
124 (A3).

[0060] The CPU 111 compares the electrical field strength (T) detected
this time with the electrical field strength (T-1) detected before a
predetermined time (T-1) (A4).

[0061] If the electrical field strength (T) is higher than the electrical
field strength (T-1) (">" at A4), the CPU 111 determines that the
electrical field strength is in the first state where the electrical
field strength increases with the lapse of time.

[0062] The CPU 111 then compares the electrical field strength (T) with an
upper limit threshold preset for electrical field strength (A6). If the
electrical field strength (T) is equal to or lower than the upper limit
threshold ("≦" at A6), the CPU 111 shortens the blinking interval
of the indicator 22 compared to that before the predetermined time (T-1)
(A7).

[0063] That is, while the digital camera 25 is moving from the position A1
to the position A2 in FIG. 3, the CPU 111 determines that the electrical
field strength is in the first state. As the electrical field strength
increases, the blinking interval of the indicator 22 becomes shorter.

[0064] Since the blinking interval of the indicator 22 becomes shorter by
moving the digital camera 25, the user can check that the digital camera
25 is brought close to a position where stable short-range wireless
communication is possible.

[0065] Incidentally, the upper limit threshold is set to determine whether
the couplers are in an appropriate positional relationship. More
specifically, the upper limit threshold is set to the electrical field
strength that allows stable high-speed data transfer by short-range
wireless communication. When the electrical field strength detected by
the short-range wireless communication controller 124 exceeds the upper
limit threshold, a pair of electronic devices that perform short-range
wireless communication are positioned such that their couplers are in a
positional relationship suitable for data transfer (for example, the
position A2 in FIG. 3).

[0066] As a result of the comparison between the electrical field strength
(T) and the preset upper limit threshold, when the electrical field
strength (T) exceeds the upper limit threshold (">" at A6), the CPU
111 controls the indicator 22 to illuminate in a different color to
indicate that both the couplers are in an optimal positional relationship
(A8). By checking the change of the light color of the indicator 22, the
user can determine that the coupler 26 of the digital camera 25 is
positioned appropriately with respect to the coupler 21 of the PC 10.

[0067] While the indicator 22 is described above as changing from blinking
to lighting steadily in a different color, this is by way of example
only. Any other output modes may be preset to the indicator 22 to
indicate that both the couplers are in an optimal positional
relationship. For example, the indicator 22 may change from blinking to
lighting steadily without changing the display color. The indicator 22
may also change from blinking in a regular pattern to blinking in a
predetermined irregular pattern. Alternatively, the indicator 22 may
change only the display color while blinking at the shortest intervals.

[0068] As a result of the comparison between the electrical field strength
(T) and the electrical field strength (T-1) detected before the
predetermined time (T-1), if the electrical field strength (T-1) is
higher than the electrical field strength (T) ("<" at A4), the CPU 111
determines that the electrical field strength is in the second state
where the electrical field strength decreases with the lapse of time.

[0069] The CPU 111 then compares the electrical field strength (T) with a
lower limit threshold preset for electrical field strength (A9). If the
electrical field strength (T) is equal to or higher than the lower limit
threshold ("≧" at A9), the CPU 111 increases the blinking interval
of the indicator 22 compared to that before the predetermined time (T-1)
(A10).

[0070] That is, while the digital camera 25 is moving from the position A2
to the position A3 in FIG. 3, the CPU 111 determines that the electrical
field strength is in the second state. As the electrical field strength
decreases, the blinking interval of the indicator 22 becomes longer.

[0071] Since the blinking interval of the indicator 22 becomes longer by
moving the digital camera 25, the user can check that the digital camera
25 is brought away from a position where stable short-range wireless
communication is possible.

[0072] In other words, by moving the digital camera 25 near the coupler 21
of the PC 10, the user can determine the optimal position where the light
color of the indicator 22 changes while checking the blinking interval of
the indicator 22 which becomes shorter or longer.

[0073] Incidentally, the lower limit threshold is set to determine whether
short-range wireless communication is not possible. More specifically,
the lower limit threshold is set to the electrical field strength that is
not suitable for data transfer by short-range wireless communication.
When the electrical field strength detected by the short-range wireless
communication controller 124 is lower than the lower limit threshold, a
pair of electronic devices that perform short-range wireless
communication are positioned such that their couplers are in a positional
relationship not suitable for data transfer (for example, the position A3
in FIG. 3).

[0074] As a result of the comparison between the electrical field strength
(T) and the lower limit threshold preset for electrical field strength,
when the electrical field strength (T) is lower than the lower limit
threshold ("<" at A9), the CPU 111 resets the output mode of the
indicator 22 to the initial state to indicate that both the couplers are
in a positional relationship unsuitable for short-range wireless
communication (A11).

[0075] As a result of the comparison between the electrical field strength
(T) and the electrical field strength (T-1), if the electrical field
strength (T) is equal to the electrical field strength (T-1) ("=" at A4),
the CPU 111 does not change the output mode of the indicator 22.

[0076] Upon completion of data transfer through short-range wireless
communication, the state notification process ends (Yes at A5).

[0077] As described above, the CPU 111 detects the electrical field
strength of a communication signal received by the coupler 21 at regular
intervals. The CPU 111 compares the electrical field strength with that
detected last time to determine whether the electrical field strength is
in the first state or the second state. According to the first state or
the second state, the CPU 111 changes the output mode of the indicator 22
so that the user can recognize the positional relationship between the
couplers 21 and 26 of the PC 10 and the digital camera 25. When the
electrical field strength exceeds the upper limit threshold, the CPU 111
determines that the couplers 21 and 26 are in an appropriate positional
relationship, and thereby changes the output mode of the indicator 22 to
a specific mode (display color, lighting, etc.). Thus, the user can
recognize that the couplers 21 and 26 are in an optimal positional
relationship without visual check, and maintain the state.

[0078]FIG. 1 illustrates the digital camera 25 in a relatively small
size. In the case of a digital video camera or other electronic devices
having a relatively large housing, it is generally more difficult to
position the coupler. According to the embodiment, the user can easily
place the coupler at an optimal position while checking the output mode
of the indicator 22 regardless of the size of the housing of the
electronic device.

[0079] While the state notification process is described above as being
performed by the PC 10, it can be similarly performed by the digital
camera 25. The digital camera 25 (the camera SoC 30) obtains the
electrical field strength detected by the short-range wireless
communication controller 32 at regular intervals as illustrated in FIG.
4. According to the change of the electrical field strength, the digital
camera 25 (the camera SoC 30) controls the output mode of the indicator
27. Thus, the user can appropriately position the coupler 26 with respect
to the coupler 21 of the PC 10 while referring to the output mode of the
indicator 27 provided to the digital camera 25.

[0080] Besides, the digital camera 25 can use the vibration module 35 as
an output module for the state notification process. In this case, when
in the initial state, the vibration module 35 is not vibrating. Having
determined that the electrical field strength is in the first state, the
camera SoC 30 shortens the vibration interval of the vibration module 35
with the lapse of time (A7 in FIG. 4). On the other hand, having
determined that the electrical field strength is in the second state, the
camera SoC 30 increases the vibration interval of the vibration module 35
with the lapse of time (A10 in FIG. 4). When the electrical field
strength (T) exceeds the upper limit threshold (">" at A6 in FIG. 4),
the camera SoC 30 controls the vibration module 35 to vibrate at the
shortest intervals to indicate that both the couplers are in an optimal
positional relationship (A8 in FIG. 4).

[0081] In this manner, in addition to the indicator formed of LED or the
like, other modules such as the vibration module 35 may be used as an
output module for the state notification process. For example, mobile
telephones are provided with a vibrator as a basic function. This
vibrator can be used for the state notification process.

[0082] As described above, the digital camera 25 can use both the
indicator 27 and the vibration module 35 as an output module for the
state notification process. The user may arbitrarily set whether to use
the indicator 27 or the vibration module 35, or both of them.

[0083] In the foregoing, the PC 10 is described as being provided with the
indicator 22 while the digital camera 25 is described as being provided
with the indicator 27 and the vibration module 35 as an output module for
the state notification process. A description will than be given of the
state notification process preformed by an electronic device that is not
provided with such a dedicated output module.

[0084]FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the state notification process preformed
by an electronic device that is not provided with a dedicated module for
the state notification process. This state notification process is
basically similar to that illustrated in FIG. 4, and therefore, will not
be described in detail (the process from B1 to B11 of FIG. 5 corresponds
to that from A1 to A11 of FIG. 4).

[0085] In the state notification process described below, a display device
that is generally provided to an electronic device is used as an output
module. That is, an example will be described in which the LCD 17 is used
as an output module for the state notification process in the PC 10. In
this case, the state notification program 112b has the function of
controlling the display on the LCD 17 to notify the user of the state in
the state notification process.

[0086] If determining that the electrical field strength is in the first
state based on the electrical field strength detected by the short-range
wireless communication controller 124 (">" at B4), and that the
electrical field strength (T) is equal to or lower than the upper limit
threshold ("≦" at B6), the CPU 111 displays information on the LCD
17 to indicate that the communication state is improving (B7). For
example, the CPU 111 displays on the LCD 17 a graphic representing an
indicator and changes the form of the graphic to indicate that the
communication state is improving with the lapse of time. More
specifically, the CPU 111 displays a bar-like image as an indicator, and
lengthens the bar with the lapse of time, thereby indicating that the
communication state is improving. Alternatively, a message may be
displayed to indicate that the communication state is improving. The CPU
111 may notify the user of the information in any other display mode.

[0087] Having determined that the electrical field strength (T) exceeds
the upper limit threshold (">" at B6), the CPU 111 displays
information on the LCD 17 to indicate that the communication state
becomes stable (B8). In the same manner as described above, the CPU 111
may display the information indicating that the communication state
becomes stable with a predetermined graphic, a message, or the like.

[0088] On the other hand, if determining that the electrical field
strength is in the second state based on the electrical field strength
detected by the short-range wireless communication controller 124 ("<"
at B4), and that the electrical field strength (T) is equal to or higher
than the lower limit threshold ("≧" at B9), the CPU 111 displays
information on the LCD 17 to indicate that the communication state is
degrading (B10). For example, the CPU 111 displays a bar-like image on
the LCD 17 as an indicator, and shortens the bar with the lapse of time,
thereby indicating that the communication state is degrading.
Alternatively, a message may be displayed to indicate that the
communication state is degrading. The CPU 111 may notify the user of the
information in any other display mode.

[0089] Having determined that the electrical field strength (T) is lower
than the lower limit threshold ("<" at B9), the CPU 111 displays
information on the LCD 17 to indicate that the communication state is not
suitable for short-range wireless communication (B11). In the same manner
as described above, the CPU 111 may display the information indicating
that the communication state is not suitable for short-range wireless
communication with a predetermined graphic, a message, or the like.

[0090] As described above, the CPU 111 executes the state notification
program 112b, and uses the LCD 17 as an output module for the state
notification process. According to the electrical field strength of a
radio signal received through short-range wireless communication, the CPU
111 changes the output mode of the LCD 17. Thus, the user can recognize
the positional relationship between the couplers 21 and 26 of the PC 10
and the digital camera 25.

[0091] While the LCD 17 is described above by way of example as being used
as an output module, the speaker 18 may also be used as an output module.
In this case, the CPU 111 changes the audio output from the speaker 18
through the sound controller 123 according to changes in electrical field
strength. Thus, the user can recognize the positional relationship
between the couplers 21 and 26 of the PC 10 and the digital camera 25.

[0092] For example, the speaker 18 may output intermittent sound. The CPU
111 may shortens the pitch of the intermittent sound in the first state,
while it may lengthen the pitch in the second state. When the electrical
field strength (T) exceeds the upper limit threshold, the CPU 111
controls the speaker 18 to output continuous sound. Apart from them,
other output sounds may also be applicable. In this manner, other modules
than the LCD 17 (a display device) can be used as an output module for
the state notification process.

[0093] The state notification application (the state notification program
112b) executed on a computer to implement the process described in the
embodiment may be provided as being stored in a storage medium. Examples
of the storage medium include a magnetic disk (a flexible disk, a hard
disk, etc.), an optical disk (CD-ROM, DVD, etc.) and a semiconductor
memory. The state notification application (the state notification
program 112b) may also be provided through a communication medium. The
computer reads the state notification application (the state notification
program 112b) from the storage medium or receives it through the
communication medium and execute it. Thus, the computer operates under
the control of the state notification application (the state notification
program 112b), and performs the state notification process as described
above.

[0094] The various modules of the systems described herein can be
implemented as software applications, hardware and/or software modules,
or components on one or more computers, such as servers. While the
various modules are illustrated separately, they may share some or all of
the same underlying logic or code.

[0095] While certain embodiments of the inventions have been described,
these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not
intended to limit the scope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel methods
and systems described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms;
furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of
the methods and systems described herein may be made without departing
from the spirit of the inventions. The accompanying claims and their
equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would
fall within the scope and spirit of the inventions.

Patent applications by Gen Watanabe, Tokyo JP

Patent applications by KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA

Patent applications in class Near field (i.e., inductive or capacitive coupling)

Patent applications in all subclasses Near field (i.e., inductive or capacitive coupling)